Small opening beverage can end adapted for receiving a straw

ABSTRACT

A beverage can end is provided herein which has a small opening preferably centrally disposed which is adapted for receiving a straw. Preferably, the small opening end is opened with a conventional pull tab, but which establishes a vent area positioned adjacent the small opening end which provides sufficient venting during use of the straw. It is further preferred that the pull tab be slightly elevated with rounded corners to provide a smooth, easily accessible pulling surface for the user of the beverage can.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to beverage can ends, and morespecifically metallic beverage can ends with a small opening adapted forreceiving a straw.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, beverage containers which are designed toreceive a drinking straw have become increasingly popular. The straw isespecially beneficial for small children to prevent spilling, and forthe physically handicapped or disabled which have difficulty drinkingfrom a standard cup, or larger opening beverage can end. One suchproduct described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,779 to Lee combines acompressible straw disposed within the can body. Upon opening, the strawprojects itself through a v-shaped panel for a user's benefit.Unfortunately, these types of products are undesirable since the flavorof the beverage becomes comprised from scalping as the straw issuspended for indefinite periods of time in the beverage. Additionally,it is possible for the straw to become obstructed and thus difficult toretrieve. Further, the opening disclosed in the '779 is too large tomake the container substantially spill-proof when the container isknocked over.

[0003] Two of the more common types of beverage containers which areadapted to receive a straw include cardboard juice cartons and metalliccans having a foil pull tab. With respect to the cardboard juicecartons, a foil tab or other impermeable material is positioned over ahole and pierced with a sharpened end of the straw to provide entry intothe beverage container. With regard to the metal cans, a foil pull tabis typically used which is removably interconnected to an upper surfaceof the metal juice can and positioned over an opening in the beveragecan end.

[0004] Both of the aforementioned foil opening mechanisms have inherentproblems. With regard to the cardboard juice cartons, the nature of thesqueezable cardboard makes the beverage container conducive to spillingand prone to damage during shipping and bulk storage. Additionally, whenthe foil is punctured with the sharpened straw, they often spill as aresult of a small child or adult inadvertently squeezing the juicecarton. Thus, the goal of preventing spilling is oftentimes exasperatedby the collapsible nature of the cardboard storage carton. Additionally,the foil is often difficult to pierce with a plastic drinking straw,especially for the physically disabled. Thus, the goal of making a userfriendly, spill-proof drink container is not realized. Further, thedurability of the foil is significantly less than a typical metallicbeverage can end, and is thus not suitable for high pressureapplications, hot-fillable pasteurized liquids, and other beverage canapplications which require a high degree of durability. Finally, flavorscalping may be an inherent problem as the enclosed beverages are incontact with the foil, which has a tendency to alter the taste of thebeverage contained therein.

[0005] With regard to metallic beverage cans which utilize a liquidimpervious foil pull-tab, numerous additional problems exist. Forexample, small children and the elderly frequently cannot remove thepull tab from the upper surface of the beverage can end due to theadhesive materials required to hold the foil on the upper surface of thecan end. Thus it is often impossible for these individuals to remove thepull tab, let alone insert the straw into the small hole. Additionally,these types of foil pull tabs require an adhesive bonding agent tointerconnect the foil pull tab to the upper surface of the beverage canend which is both expensive and further likely to contaminate the tasteof the beverage through scalping. Further, the leading edge of the smallopening which is adapted to receive the straw and the associated pulltab is typically very sharp, and presents the risk of cutting the fingerof a user, especially children.

[0006] Finally, with the foil pull tab and the puncture type foilmechanisms used for drinking straws, there is an inherent ventingproblem since there is no significant size differential between the sizeof the straw and the opening to receive the straw. Thus, the beveragebecomes difficult to withdraw from the beverage can.

[0007] Thus, there is a significant need for a safe, durable metallicbeverage can end which has an easy opening metallic pull tab withsufficient venting associated therein to allow a straw to be insertedand used by the handicapped, elderly, and small children, and which issubstantially spill proof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is thus one object of the present invention to provide an easyopening beverage can which is adapted to receive a drinking straw andwhich can be used by small children, the handicapped, and the elderly todispense a liquid from a beverage can. It is a further aspect of thepresent invention to provide a can opening mechanism which is familiarto a user and which does not contaminate or alter the taste of thebeverage.

[0009] It is a further aspect of the present invention to locate thesmall opening in the beverage can end in a position which makes thebeverage can end substantially spill proof. Thus, in one embodiment ofthe present invention the small opening is positioned substantially inthe center of the beverage can end, thus inhibiting spillage when adrinking straw is inserted therein and the beverage container is tippedover.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to create a durablebeverage can end adapted for receiving a straw which can be used underpressure (75-100 psi) for storing certain types of carbonated liquidssuch as beer or soft drinks. Further, a metallic beverage can end isprovided which is capable of holding hot-fill liquids such aspasteurized milk at the time the beverage is introduced into the can andwhich is durable enough to withstand shipping and mishandling duringtransportation and bulk storage.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention a metallic beveragecan end is provided which can be manufactured with the use of existingproduction equipment in a beverage can end manufacturing facility. Thus,significant time and money are saved since the conventional productionlines in a beverage plant do not need to be significantly modified tocreate a small opening beverage can end which uses a metallic pull tab.

[0012] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide abeverage can end which is adapted for receiving a straw and which doesnot have a pull tab with any significant sharp edges to substantiallydecrease the likelihood of any type of finger injury to the user pullingthe pull tabs. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention a pull ringis provided which has substantially rounded corners along all edges andwhich additionally is substantially non-detachable from the beverage canend to avoid littering. In one embodiment of the present invention araised reinforcing bead is provided which substantially encircles thesmall opening and shrouds the opening to prevent inadvertent contactwith a user's fingers.

[0013] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a small openingmetallic beverage can end adapted for receiving a straw is provided, andwhich comprises:

[0014] a circular end wall adapted for interconnection to a beverage canbody;

[0015] a central panel integrally interconnected to said end wall;

[0016] a tab having a pull ring on one end and a nose on an oppositeend, said nose hingedly interconnected to an upper surface of saidcentral panel;

[0017] a rupturable score line positioned proximate to a center point ofsaid central panel and defining a substantially circular opening havinga diameter no greater than about 0.4375 inches which is adapted forreceiving a straw; and

[0018] a vent opening positioned adjacent said substantially circularopening to provide adequate venting in said small opening beverage canend when a drinking straw is positioned within said substantiallycircular opening during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a beverage can end showingthe pull tab and a centrally disposed small opening;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the beverage can end of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the small opening beveragecan end of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the small opening area and associatedreinforcing bead of the beverage can end of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the small opening beverage can end inan unopened position;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the small opening beverage can end ofFIG. 5 with a pull tab pulled to a 90° position of opening;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the small opening beverage can end ofFIG. 5 with the pull tab shown in a fully opened position;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the presentinvention and showing the progression between FIGS. 8A-8C of the openingprocess and identifying in a front elevation view in FIGS. 8B-8F therespective position of a raised bead which substantially surrounds thesmall opening;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing a plurality of raised beadsand/or score termination points used to inhibit the breakaway of thepull tab;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a plurality of small openings andidentifying various possible shapes;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of two different shaped pull tabs andcross sectional views related thereto which identify the rounded edgesof the pull tabs; and

[0030]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a typical drinking strawpositioned in the small opening of the beverage can end, and identifyingthe vent opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a smallopening beverage can end 2. The beverage can end 2 is generallycomprised of a circular end wall 24 which is interconnected to a centerpanel 4 with a countersink 46 positioned therebetween. The circular endwall 24 is adapted for interconnection to a beverage can body. A pulltab 8 is generally disposed on an upper surface of the center panel 4and in one embodiment comprises a pull ring 10 interconnected to a pulltab 12 which is interconnected to the center panel 4 by means of a rivet14. To facilitate grasping the pull ring 10, a recessed center panel 34may be provided which allows a user's fingers to more easily grasp thepull ring 10.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, additional detail is provided withregard to the small opening beverage can end. More specifically, FIG. 2is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention (withoutthe pull tab) and identifying a rupturable score line 16 which definesthe small opening 6. Preferably the small opening 6 has a diameter ofbetween about 0.1865 inches to 0.3125 inches. A smaller diameter smallopening would not permit the insertion of a typical drinking straw,while a larger vent opening 6 would not allow the beverage can end 2 tobe substantially spill proof when the drinking straw is inserted in thesmall opening 6. The rivet 14 which interconnects the pull tab 8 to thetop of center panel 4 is further seen positioned within the interior ofthe rupturable score line 16. As further shown in FIG. 3, a recessedcenter panel 34 may be provided in the center panel 4 which providesadditional spacing to allow a user to engage the pull ring 10 duringuse. FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the small opening 6 and which furtherdefines a reinforcing bead 22 and the substantially circular rivet 14.As appreciated by one skilled in the art, although a rivet is used inthis particular application, other types of interconnection apparatuswhich are commonly known in the beverage industry for interconnecting apull tab to a center panel may be provided herein.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pull tab 8is designed for “one direction” opening. More specifically, as the pulltab ring 10 is pulled upwardly and away from the center panel 4, thesmall opening 6 immediately opens around the rupturable score line 16 asthe pull ring 10 is hingedly pulled to the opposing side of the centerpanel 4. Thus, the pull tab 8 is hingedly connected along a pull tabhinge line 32 to prevent the pull tab 8 from becoming disengaged fromthe center panel 4. By retaining the pull tab 8 on the center panel 4,the pull tab 8 and beverage can end 2 remain interconnected afteropening which prevents littering.

[0034] As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the pull tab 8 iscomprised of a pull tab nose 12 which is positioned proximate to thepull tab hinge line 32. As a downward force is applied to the pull tabnose 12, a small opening 6 is created around the rupturable score line16 as an upward force is provided to the pull tab 8. Thus, the metalruptures along the rupturable score line 16 and provides the smallopening 6 in the beverage can end. Although only one particular type ofpull tab 8 has generally been depicted in the drawings, as appreciatedby one skilled in the art there are multiple variations of pull tabs 8which can be pulled in either one or two different directions to obtainthe same result of creating an opening in the beverage can end 2. Thus,the present application is not intended to be limited by the embodimentshown herein, but further encompasses all types of pull tab mechanismscommonly known in the beverage industry.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a top plan view of one embodiment ofthe beverage can end 2 is provided herein. More specifically, aprogression of opening steps is shown, with FIG. 5 representing the pulltab 8 in a closed position. In FIG. 6, the pull tab has been pulledupwardly to a 90° angle in relation to the center panel 4, and in FIG. 7the pull tab 8 has been pulled 180° from its position shown in FIG. 5,and thus fully opening the beverage can end 2 to expose the smallopening 6. As further seen in FIG. 7, the vent opening 20 is shown whichprovides adequate venting when a drinking straw 28 is positioned withinsaid small opening.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, a raised reinforcing bead 36 isshown which is raised above the small opening 6 once the beverage canend 2 is opened. The reinforcing bead 36 serves two distinct purpose.First, the raised reinforcing bead 36 serves to prevent the smallopening 6 from extending beyond the boundaries provided by therupturable score line. Second, the raised reinforcing bead 36 has beenraised in this particular application to substantially encircle thesmall opening 6. The raised reinforcing bead 36 serves to shroud thesmall opening 6 which further reduces the likelihood of a user engaginga sharp leading edge of the small opening 6 which could cut a user'sfinger. This additional safety feature is especially beneficial forsmall children attempting to insert the drinking straw 28 in the smallopening 6, or for the handicapped or elderly.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, a top plan view of the opening andassociated raised bead 36 is shown and more specifically identifying theprogression of opening. In FIGS. 8A-8F, the pull tab 8 has been removedfrom the rivet 14 to provide additional detail. FIGS. 8A-8C representthe opening progression from a fully closed position in FIG. 8A to afully open position in 8C. Additionally, FIGS. 8D-8F represent a frontelevation view of the detail shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, and identifying therelative height of the components provided therein. More specifically,and referring to FIGS. 8A and 8D, a raised reinforcing bead 36 is shownsubstantially surrounding the small opening 6. Additionally, a loweredreinforcing bead 38 is shown positioned between the raised reinforcingbead 36 and the small opening 6.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 8B and 8E, as the pull tab 8 is pulled,the small opening 6 begins to pull away along the rupturable score line16. However, the raised reinforcing bead 36 is maintained in itsposition substantially surrounding the small opening 6. Referring now toFIGS. 8C and 8F, when the pull tab is pulled completely away from thecentral panel 4, the small opening 6 is completely exposed to allow theinsertion of a drinking straw 28. As additionally seen in FIG. 8C, avent opening 20 is provided which provides venting for the drinkingstraw when beverage content is removed from the beverage can. The ventopening 20 is preferably designed to be small enough to substantiallyprevent spilling if the beverage can is tipped when the drinking straw28 is inserted in the small opening 6, yet large enough to preventadequate venting as a beverage is withdrawn through the drinking straw28. Although in this particular embodiment shown in FIG. 8C the ventopening 20 has a substantially triangular shape, it is understood thatthe vent opening could have any variety of shapes based on the type ofpull tab and score configuration utilized. In a preferred embodiment,the vent opening has an area of at least about 0.0004 in², whichsubstantially prevents spilling when a straw is inserted in the smallopening, yet provides adequate venting. Although the size of the ventopening may be increased, it is preferably no greater than about 0.25in².

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9F, a plurality of differentreinforcing beads or “coins” are shown which are used to provideadditional strength in the hinge mechanism of the pull tab 8 as it isinterconnected along a pull tab hinge line 32. More specifically, andreferring now to FIG. 9A, a plurality of reinforcing beads 44 may bepositioned at a right angle along the hinge line 32 to providereinforcement and prevent the pull tab 8 from being detached from thecenter panel 4. Referring now to FIG. 9B, the same benefit may beobtained by providing a wavy reinforcing bead 44 and/or a rectangularshape reinforcing bead 44 as shown in FIG. 9C. In an alternative designto prevent the pull tab 8 from becoming detached from the center panel4, the pull tab hinge line 32 may be increased in length as shown inFIG. 9D, or provided at a substantially right angle as shown in FIG. 9E.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9F a dual score line 42 may be providedto further reinforce the pull tab hinge line 32 at the point ofinterconnection between the pull tab 8 and the center panel 4. Dependingon what type of reinforcing bead and/or score termination 40 is used,the size and shape of the vent opening 20 may be modified to be customdesigned for various types of drinking straw 28 applications.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 10, a plurality of different sizes andshapes of small openings 6 is provided herein. For example, the smallopening 6 may be comprised of a square, triangle, diamond, oval, round,or a variety of odd shapes as shown in the bottom right hand corner.Based on the size and shape of a typically round drinking straw 28, eachof these particular embodiments provide different vent openings 20 whichfurther enhance the ability of the beverage to be withdrawn from thedrinking can.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 11, a top plan view is provided in FIG. 11Aand 11B of two different shaped pull rings. Cross-sectional views takenalong line D-D are provided in FIGS. 11C and 11D, respectively whichdepict the rounded corners 48. These rounded corners are specificallydesigned to eliminate sharp edges and to reduce the likelihood of a usercutting a finger when grasping the pull tab 8. Further, as depicted inFIGS. 11A-11B, a billboard 50 maybe printed directly on the outer (orinner) surface of the pull tab 8 which provides indicia in the form ofinstructions, advertising, etc.

[0042] As seen in FIG. 12, a front elevation view is provided whichshows the drinking straw 28 positioned within the small opening 6. Morspecifically, the relative size and shape of the vent opening 20 isshown with respect to the drinking straw 28. In the embodiment shown,the diameter of the drinking straw 28 is substantially equivalent to thediameter of the small opening 6, and the drinking straw corrugations areengaged to an edge of the small opening 6 to prevent inadvertentremoval. Thus, in this embodiment the beverage can opening issubstantially spill-proof, yet has a vent opening 20 of sufficientdimension to provide adequate venting.

[0043] The following components and numbers associated with the presentinvention are provided herein for clarity purposes. # Component  2Beverage can end  4 Center panel  6 Small opening  8 Pull tab 10 Pullring 12 Pull tab nose 14 Rivet 16 Rupturable score line 18 Secondaryscore line 20 Vent opening 22 Reinforcing bead 24 Circular end wall 26Score termination point 28 Drinking straw 30 Straw corrugated midsection32 Pull tab hinge line 34 Recessed center panel 36 Raised reinforcingbead 38 Lowered bead 40 Opposing score termination 42 Dual score line 44Reinforcing bead 46 Countersink 48 Pull tab rounded corners 50 Billboard

[0044] The foregoing description of the present invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosedherein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with theabove teachings and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art arewithin the scope of the present invention. The embodiments describedhereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known forpracticing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments or variousmodifications required by the particular applications or uses of thepresent invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construedto include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A metallic, small opening beverage can endadapted for receiving a straw, comprising: a circular end wall; acentral panel integrally interconnected to said end wall; a pull tabhingedly interconnected to an upper surface of said central panel; arupturable score line positioned on said central panel and defining asubstantially circular opening having a diameter no greater than about0.4375 inches which is adapted for receiving a straw; and a vent openingpositioned adjacent said substantially circular opening to provideventing in said small opening beverage can end during use.
 2. The smallopening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said tab is substantiallynon-detachable.
 3. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1,further comprising a reinforcing bead positioned proximate to a hingeline interconnecting said tab to said upper surface of said centralpanel to further inhibit detachment of said tab from said central panel;4. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said ventopening provides at least about 0.0004 inches of venting area when saidsubstantially circular opening is occupied by the straw.
 5. The smallopening beverage can end of claim 1, further comprising at least oneembossing bead positioned proximate to a termination point of said scoreline to further inhibit detachment of said tab from said upper surfaceof said central panel.
 6. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1,wherein said tab is further interconnected to said upper surface of saidcentral panel within said rupturable score line with a rivet.
 7. Thesmall opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said substantiallycircular opening is created in said central panel by pulling said pullring in one direction only.
 8. The small opening beverage can end ofclaim 1, wherein the beverage can end is substantially spill-proof whensaid substantially circular opening is occupied by the straw.
 9. Thesmall opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said central panel isoriented at a substantially right angle to a vertical orientation of abeverage can body.
 10. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1,wherein said pull ring has a lip elevated at least about 0.030 inchesfrom said upper surface of said central panel to facilitate grasping.11. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein said pull tabcomprises a pull ring on one end and a nose on an opposite end, saidnose hingedly interconnected to said upper surface of said centralpanel.
 12. The small opening beverage can end of claim 1, wherein saidrupturable score line is positioned proximate to a central region ofsaid central panel.
 13. The small opening beverage can of claim 1,further comprising a raised reinforcing bead which substantiallyencircles said small opening to shroud a leading edge of saidsubstantially circular opening.
 14. A metallic beverage can end with asmall opening adapted for receiving a straw, comprising: a circular endwall; a central panel integrally interconnected to said end wall; ascore line positioned on said central panel which defines said smallopening, said score line having a surface area no greater than about0.1503 inches; a substantially non-detachable tab having a pull ring onone end and a nose on an opposite end, said nose hingedly interconnectedto an upper surface of said central panel, wherein when a force isapplied to said pull ring said centrally disposed small opening iscreated in said central panel; a rivet further interconnecting said noseto said upper surface of said central panel within said score line; anda vent opening further defined by said score line which is positionedadjacent said centrally disposed small opening to provide adequateventilation in said can end when said centrally disposed small openingis occupied by the straw.
 15. The beverage can end of claim 14, whereinsaid vent opening has a minimal cross-sectional area of at least about0.0004 inches.
 16. The beverage can end of claim 14, further comprisinga reinforcing bead positioned adjacent at least a portion of said scoreline.
 17. The beverage can end of claim 14, wherein said score lineextends beyond a hinge line of said nose and said upper surface of saidcentral panel to further inhibit said tab from becoming inadvertentlydetached from said central panel.
 18. The beverage can end of claim 14,wherein said tab pull ring has a smooth upper surface and a smooth lowersurface which are substantially void of sharp edges.
 19. The beveragecan end of claim 14, further comprising a raised reinforcing bead whichsubstantially shrouds said centrally disposed small opening.
 20. Ametallic beverage can end with a small opening for receiving a drinkingstraw, the combination comprising: a circular end wall adapted forinterconnection to a beverage can body; a central panel integrallyinterconnected to said circular end wall; a substantially centrallydisposed circular opening defined by a score line, said opening having afirst diameter no greater than about 0.4375 inches; a tab having a pullring on a first end and a nose on a second end, said nose pivotallyinterconnected to an upper surface of said central panel at a firstlocation and non-detachably interconnected to said upper surface ofcentral panel with a rivet; and said drinking straw having an exteriordiameter with at least a portion which is substantially equivalent tosaid first diameter of said centrally disposed circular opening, whereinwhen said drinking straw is inserted into said centrally disposedopening said drinking straw is restricted from being removed therefrom;a vent opening positioned proximate to said small opening and saiddrinking straw for allowing ventilation into said can while a beverageis being extracted through said straw.
 21. The metallic beverage can endand drinking straw combination of claim 20, further comprising areinforcing bead positioned proximate to a termination point of saidscore line to further inhibit detachment of said tab.
 22. The metallicbeverage can end and straw combination of claim 20, further comprisingextending a score termination point beyond a hinge line where said noseis pivotally interconnected to said upper surface of said central panelto inhibit detachment of said tab.
 23. The metallic beverage can end andstraw combination of claim 20, wherein said vent opening has across-sectional area of at least about 0.0004 inches.
 24. The metallicbeverage can end and straw combination of claim 20, wherein said strawhas a corrugated mid-section which facilitates bending.